Survey seeks feedback on proposed Halau of ‘Oiwi Art

The Maui News

An online survey about the proposed Halau of 'Oiwi Art in Wailuku town is now open to residents to provide feedback following an open housing on Friday.

The Department of Management is asking residents to share their ideas for what would be the county's first cultural center devoted to hula and associated arts. The facility may have space for classrooms, dance studios, arts workshop areas, events space and community gathering areas, according to a county news release Tuesday.

More than 50 residents gathered at the Maui Academy of Performing Arts' Promenade Food Court to offer feedback on the project.

Since 2020, a coalition of Maui kumu hula has been working with the county to lay groundwork for the proposed Halau of 'Oiwi Art. Mayor Michael Victorino announced the concept in February and included it in his fiscal year 2023 budget request to the Maui County Council, which passed it. The council's first reading of the budget is scheduled for Thursday.

Although project plans are still conceptual, planners estimate the construction will cost $54 million, the county news release said. The Department of Management has requested $43 million from the county's fiscal year 2023 budget and $11 million in federal assistance.

The center would be located next to the new Wailuku parking structure currently under construction.

For more information or to take the survey, visit wailukulive.com/rewailuku.

For updates on the project, visit wailukulive.com/hoa or hoamaui.com.